Staff Profile

Career Summary

Biography

I completed my PhD investigating the molecular and cellular role of the amygdala in the aetiology of schizophrenia in 2006 at the University of Newcastle. Following a post-doctoral position at the Children's Oncology Unit at the Children's Hospital at Westmead investigating the role of TPD52 in breast development and breast cancer I returned to the University of Newcastle in 2008. Whilst this position was as a teaching focused academic, I initiated my own research direction under the supervision of Prof. Leonie Ashman which resulted in successful funding from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Since 2011 I have lead my own research group investigating the regulation of the expression of tetraspanin proteins in breast and prostate cancers as well as the role of CD151 in glomerular disease.

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle, 06/06/2006

Research

Research keywords

Breast Cancer

Cancer Cell Biology

Gene & Protein expression regulation

Molecular Biology

Prostate Cancer

Tetraspanin proteins

Research expertise

My current research focus is on understanding the role of three tetraspanin proteins, CD151, CD9 and CD82 in breast and prostate cancers. These proteins show de-regulated expression in these cancers which is consistent with their proposed roles as tumour and metastasis enhancers (CD151) or suppressors (CD9 & CD82). Our aim is to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying their altered expression in cancer with a current focus on the role of miRNA and the ubiquitin system. We hope that by improving our understanding of how the expression of these proteins is controlled we can gain valuable insight into how they can be used as both prognostic indicators as well as novel therapeutic targets, particularly for metastatic disease.

In addition we are investigating the role that CD151 plays in the development and maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidney. In particular we aim to identify biomarkers of glomerular disease through analysing mice in which CD151 expression has been lost and identifying the mechanisms involved in the development of and susceptibility to disease.

Fields of Research

Code

Description

Percentage

111200

Oncology And Carcinogenesis

50

060802

Animal Cell And Molecular Biology

25

060405

Gene Expression (Incl. Microarray And Other Genome-Wide Approaches)

25

Memberships

Committee/Associations (relevant to research).

Member - Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Member - Australian Society of Medical Research

Appointments

NSW State RepresentativeAustralian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Australia)

01/03/2012

Invitations

Role and regulation of tetraspanins CD151 and CD9 in breast and prostate cancersInstitut Andre Lwoff, France (Invited Presenter)

2012

Administrative

Administrative expertise

I have been on the organising committe for several symposiums and research seminar series as well as other research related events. I am currently the NSW State representative for the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). In a teaching capacity I have co-ordinated several courses at the University of Newcastle.

Teaching

Teaching keywords

Bioinformatics

Genetics

Molecular Biology

Protein biochemistry

Teaching expertise

My current teaching focus is on genetics, bioinformatics and cancer cell biology. I also have experience in DNA, transcription, translation, protein synthesis and function, protein analysis and molecular biology. I have experience teaching B.Biomed Sci, M. Pharmacy and B. Medicine.